Malaysia needs green roadmap – NRE

The Department Of Environment (DOE) would like to clarify a statement made by Ms Caroline Russell in the article entitled “Malaysia needs green roadmap”,(The Star, Page B6, 12 October 2010) regarding rejection by the Department of Environment (DOE) on their proposal to use biofuel.

According DOE, Boh Plantation submitted an application to DOE Pahang to use coal/palm kernel shell as fuel for their burner on 29 June 2010. As per Regulation 36 and 38 of the Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulation 1978, details on the air pollution control equipment, chimney height as well as the efflux velocity need to be provided for DOE to process the application. The information provided by Boh Plantation was inadequate and this was transmitted to Boh Plantation on the 27 July 2010. DOE Pahang officer met the engineer from Boh Plantation to discuss further on these requirements on the 11 October 2010.

The company agreed to submit the required information and DOE is awaiting the information. It is therefore incorrect that DOE has rejected Boh Plantation’s application as reported in the article.

DOE encourage the use of environment- friendly fuel such as biomass, however the siting of the industry and the installation of adequate pollution control equipment are important parameters to be considered in giving approval so as not to cause pollution problem to the surrounding residents.